News Summary
A local man, Joshua Millard, has died following a collision involving his minivan and a tractor-trailer in Aiken County. The crash occurred at Rudy Mason Parkway and Willow Run Road, resulting in Millard’s death at the scene. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident, amid concerns regarding recent traffic fatalities in South Carolina. This accident brings attention to the ongoing issues of road safety in the area.
Aiken, South Carolina — A tragic collision involving a tractor-trailer has resulted in the death of a local man in Aiken County. The incident took place around 8:15 AM on Wednesday at the intersection of Rudy Mason Parkway and Willow Run Road.
The victim has been identified as Joshua Millard, a 40-year-old resident of Aiken. Millard was driving a 2005 Chrysler Town & Country minivan when he reportedly crossed the centerline and collided with a westbound 2024 Volvo tractor-trailer. First responders pronounced Millard dead at the scene at 8:35 AM due to blunt force injuries. An autopsy is scheduled to be performed in Newberry, as confirmed by the Aiken County Coroner’s office.
The driver of the tractor-trailer was injured in the crash and was subsequently transported to a local hospital. The extent of that driver’s injuries and current condition remain uncertain. Authorities have not provided confirmation regarding whether either driver was using seat belts at the time of the collision.
The South Carolina Highway Patrol, along with the coroner’s office, is conducting an investigation into the incident to determine what led to the minivan crossing into oncoming traffic. As of now, no other injuries have been reported associated with the devastating crash.
This incident adds to the troubling statistics regarding road safety in South Carolina. As of Sunday, a total of 484 people had lost their lives on South Carolina roads in 2025. The previous year, 2024, saw a staggering 948 traffic accident fatalities statewide. Within Aiken County alone, there have been at least nine recorded deaths in traffic accidents this year, compared to 28 fatalities reported in the county during 2024.
Local authorities and law enforcement are focused on providing the community with accurate and timely updates as the situation develops. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details will be communicated to the public as they become available.
The Aiken County community is mourning the loss of Joshua Millard, a tragedy that highlights the ongoing concerns regarding road safety and the risks associated with motor vehicle collisions. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety urges drivers to exercise caution and prioritize safety while on the roads to prevent further accidents and fatalities.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: 1 Person Killed in Tractor Trailer Crash Aiken County
- Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
- The State: Aiken County Traffic News
- Google Search: Road Safety in South Carolina
- WIS TV: Aiken County Man Crushed to Death by Truck
- Google Scholar: Traffic Safety Statistics South Carolina
- WFXG: Bridge Deemed Total Loss After Truck Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Motor Vehicle Accident
- WACH: Road Closures and Detours in Aiken County
- Google News: Traffic Incidents Aiken County
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
